Susan Norris Berry, Administrator for Columbus State Regional Learning Centers, leads a tour of the new Reynoldsburg Regional Learning Center.

Susan Norris Berry, Administrator for Columbus State Regional Learning Centers, leads a tour of the new Reynoldsburg Regional Learning Center.

Susan Norris Berry, Administrator for Columbus State Regional Learning Centers, leads a tour of the new Reynoldsburg Regional Learning Center.

Susan Norris Berry, Administrator for Columbus State Regional Learning Centers, leads a tour of the new Reynoldsburg Regional Learning Center.

Stakeholders in the project were given a tour of the facility November 29. Those attending included President Harrison, Ohio Chancellor Jim Petro; Michael Sawyers, Ohio Department of Education Acting Superintendent; and Steve Dackin, Reynoldsburg Superintendent.

Ohio Governor John Kasich and the Ohio Board of Regents have been encouraging educators to think outside the box to share resources and improve student success. This partnership--the first of its kind in central Ohio--meets that challenge.

Reynoldsburg is providing the space and Columbus State will provide faculty and staff. For the renovation project, Reynoldsburg picked up $1.6 million for most of the construction while Columbus State provided about $1 million for furnishings.

In the end, the project saves taxpayer money since Columbus State will operate rent free. The new Reynoldsburg Learning Center allows the college to end a lease at its nearby center in Groveport saving more than $150,000 annually in rent and utilities.

“This is the model for the 21st-century doorway to higher education and the pathway for a better-educated workforce in Central Ohio,” said Dr. Harrison.

“It is a classic ‘win-win’ situation for students, the schools and the community,” said Steve Dackin, Reynoldsburg superintendent. “Together, we create more opportunities for students at lower costs for everyone.”

The Reynoldsburg Regional Learning Center has six “smart” classrooms, four computer labs, a chemistry lab, a patient care classroom, a library and offices.

Classes will begin January 14. This spring, the Reynoldsburg BELL Early College Academy students will begin taking their first college courses in the center. Next autumn, dual enrollment high school students in Reynoldsburg will take classes at the center.
A formal open house for the community is planned for January.

Randy Bournique, Development Director for People in Need of Delaware (left) congratulates Dr. Rick Bartlett, associate professor, Business Programs, who organized the food drive this year with OSU Marion.

After successful food drives the past two years on the Columbus State Delaware Campus, organizers teamed up for a third year with Ohio State University Marion to make it bigger than ever. Organizer and associate professor Rick Bartlett reports that they collected 2,616 items - more than twice the original goal! They also received a total of $200 in monetary donations. The items were loaded up November 30 at Moeller Hall and delivered to People In Need, Inc. of Delaware County.

Coming off a successful 25-5 record, the Cougars want to make it back to the national tournament after missing a bid last season. The men’s team is now 7-2 for the season. The recent victory over Cedarville’s JV team marked head coach Pat Carlisle’s 150th career win at Columbus State vs. 48 Loses. That’s the most wins for a junior college coach in Ohio over the past six years.

That winning record – which included taking the team to the Div. II national runner up position in 2008 – has not gone unnoticed. This fall, a coaching website ranked Carlisle at No. 14 in the nation for all junior college coaches, divisions I, II and III. See the game schedule here.

Joel Renner returns for his second season as head coach of the Lady Cougars and he’s not wasting any time. With an impressive 9 – 1 start to the season, they’re currently ranked No. 19 in the nation in the latest National Junior College Athletic Association Div. II poll.

“When I took over as head coach last year, the coaches and current sophomores began a commitment to excellence both in and out of the classroom,” said Renner. “They continuously strive to improve every aspect of the program. You can see the women’s team schedule here.
The Lady Cougars play next on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Ohio Christian
University.

Get in the game!The Delaware Gymnasium has been turning into a melting pot of staff and students every Thursday for weekly soccer match ups. They're open to anyone on campus. The games begin around noontime each Thursday and last about 90 minutes. Drop in anytime and join the game! See highlights in this video clip:

If you missed the training sessions held earlier this month, or if you need a refresher before ordering, all Office Max training materials are now available on the Intranet. The guides can be found under Purchasing Forms.

Cougar Gear fundraiser supports athleticsThe Columbus State Athletic Club is working to raise funds for the Department of Athletics and College Recreation in an effort to promote athletic excellence, good sportsmanship, and character-building relationships among athletes, coaches, parents, and the Columbus community. To do this, the Club is offering the first-ever Cougar Gear fundraising opportunity. Check out the poster to see the athletic gear you can order to support Cougar Athletics! The fundraiser ends December 16.